Book Review:
Field Collecting Gemstones and Minerals
(John Sinkankas)

Reviewed by Stephen J. Bespalko

Most books that amateur mineral collectors
encounter have the common limitation of simply
listing sites where minerals can be obtained.
Although useful, these books do little to illuminate
how or why a mineral came to be located where it is. As a result,
the collector learns little about how to find other sites. Field
Collecting Gemstones and Minerals, Second Edition by John Sinkankas
is quite different in that regard. It does a superb job of
introducing the collector to the science of identifying areas for
collecting and hunting for good sites. Although the book is clearly
oriented towards field collecting, there is sufficient information
on mineral identification, preparation, and display to be valuable
to hobbyists who have no intention of ever venturing out to the
wilds in pursuit of new specimens. Thus, if there is one book that
every mineral collector should not only own, but have read
thoroughly, this is the book.

This venerable volume is a concise and clear treatment of the
hobby. The text is very readable, and the many illustrations are
clear and interesting. The book is organized into nine chapters,
five appendices, and an index. The early chapters cover the
fundamental aspects of mineral collecting: how to plan for
collecting trips, map reading (including the most lucid discussion
of topographic maps the reviewer has ever seen), and tools and
how to use them. The middle chapters cover the geology of
mineral formation and application of geology to field technique.
The later chapters round out the subject matter with information
on identification, preparation, and display of minerals. There is
also a section on marketing minerals.

The pedagogic nature of this book makes it an excellent resource
for young collectors contemplating a career in science (given the
concerns expressed below). The book does a good job of
introducing the geological basis for how mineral deposits form,
then does an equally fine job of demonstrating how to apply this
theory to locating mineral deposits. This concrete and practical
application of a scientific discipline should captivate any aspiring
young scientist. The book also stresses the value of research and
preparation in pursuing the hobby. There are many lists of where
to find additional information including maps, books, and
libraries. Finally, the direct link between the ability to observe
and draw conclusions (with the obvious benefits for those astute
enough to draw the right conclusion) will promote skills valuable
in any branch of science.

There are two subjects covered in the book that are included for
completeness but are clearly not for most amateur mineral
collectors, particularly young collectors. The section on the safe
use of explosives (an oxymoron in the reviewer's opinion) is
beguilingly short, to the point of trivializing the dangers
associated with mining explosives. Although these substances are
not easily obtained, the way the topic is covered may make the
idea appealing to daring individuals. One of the analytical tests
for identifying minerals, which is covered at some length, is the
acid solubility test. Although dissolving minerals in various
noxious (and dangerous) acids may be beyond the interest of
most amateurs, this again is covered in a very straightforward and
technical manner. Sinkankas understates the danger to someone
who doesn't possess the laboratory technique to safely handle
corrosive materials.

Beyond being an excellent book that is well worth the money,
this is a book that should hold special interest to members of the
Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society since many of the pictures and
examples are from San Diego County. In particular, there is a
geological description of the Pala Pegmatite District, including the
Himalaya Mine in Mesa Grande, California.

Field Collecting Gemstones and Minerals, Second Edition
by John Sinkankas; 397 pages; Geoscience Press.

The preceding article was originally published in the June 1993
issue of Lithosphere, the official bulletin of the
Fallbrook [California] Gem and Mineral Society, Inc; Richard Busch
(Editor).

Permission to reproduce and distribute this material, in
whole or in part, for non-commercial purposes, is hereby granted
provided the sense or meaning of the material is not changed and
the author's notice of copyright is retained.

Last updated: 18 September 2002
http://geopress.rbnet.net/fieldcol.htm